DE&S Equips British Army for Military and Disaster Relief Operations

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Issue 147 November 2020 the magazine for defence equipment desider and support

DE&S equips British Army for military and disaster relief operations Invested in Britain

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Through long-term partnerships with the UK Government, we support over 8,000 jobs across our supply chain in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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13_10_20_ADVERTS_MASTER.indd 1 19/10/2020 11:20 desider November 2020 Foreword

ForewordBy Sir Simon Bollom, CEO

and have, continued to support with British firms' involvement defence outputs to the best with the competition to build of our ability throughout. We the three warships launching in should celebrate our significant, 2021. numerous and varied successes Elsewhere, more Poseidon during these difficult times and aircraft have arrived at RAF despite various setbacks. Lossiemouth on the newly I feel a great sense of resurfaced runway and we have pride seeing the way we awarded a £46-million contract have continued to deliver a to provide rapidly deployable vast range of equipment and bridges for the British Army. support programmes. Whether We recently announced our working remotely at home, or partnership with Women’s continuing to attend your place Engineering Society; an of work, including at Abbey organisation dedicated to Wood or across our Defence offering inspiration, support Munitions, BFPO, and Logistic and professional development Delivery sites, your resilience to female engineers, scientists is admirable. It cannot be and technologists. We will be overstated how professionally working with them to nurture you have all adapted to our current talent and inspire the challenges we've been the next generation to consider presented with over the past a career in engineering. This seven months. brings me to congratulate Dr We are continuing our pursuit Eluned Lewis and Gemma of innovation and novel ways Smith who have been to train and fight. The latest recognised in this year’s Women iteration of the Army’s flagship In Defence Awards; an annual Army Warfighting Experiment celebration of the incredible recently showcased some of work and value women bring We are continuing“ our the most innovative emerging to the defence enterprise. technologies that will bring Congratulations also to all those pursuit of operational advantages to the recognised in the Queen’s innovation and novel battlefield. This live experiment Birthday Honours for your hard reinforces that the world of work and dedication. These are ways to train and fight Defence is a rapidly changing fantastic achievements and it is landscape and we must work hugely satisfying to see so many closely with our partners of our staff recognised. Well and allies to stay ahead of done. our adversaries by being It also gives me great pleasure ” November brings with it at the forefront of defence to share that Ed Cutts has won significant and unforeseen shifts innovation. It is through both the recent competition for the in what we had expected earlier agile procurement and the role of Director Weapons. I know in the year. COVID-19 remains a development of cutting-edge that he will use this opportunity prominent consideration for us programmes that will keep our to continue to lead the Weapons all; pervading our daily lives and Front Line Commands safe, team with enthusiasm and sending us back into lock-down and ultimately strengthen our determination in the challenges throughout this month, while national security. ahead. the devolved administrations The Royal Navy’s newest Recognising COVID-19 will continue to combat the virus warship, HMS Spey, recently be with us for some months in similar but varying ways. arrived in Portsmouth, marking to come, please continue to This follows the news of a the end of the DE&S-led support one another and look delay in the Integrated Review procurement of the second after yourselves. Stay safe. and announcement that the batch of Offshore Patrol Vessels. Spending Review is likely be a The programme was delivered one-year exercise. However, at pace and achieved around we have not allowed ourselves £44-million of savings. Well to dwell; Defence remains a done to all involved. It has also national priority and we must, been announced that the Fleet Solid Support Ships will be built

3 desider November 2020 Contents Contents Twitter: @DefenceES On the cover Facebook: @DefenceES Royal Engineers from 37 (Three Seven) Squadron strip a medium girder bridge LinkedIn: Defence Equipment & Support (Picture Sgt Wes Calder RLC) YouTube: DE&S

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Editor: Louisa Keefe Louisa Keefe - 07971 013054 [email protected]

Contributors: Daniel Evans, Louise Allford, Tom Morris, Lowri Jones, Ash Pitman, Hannah Swingler, Paul McLennan

Photography and Design: Katherine Williams, Jack Eckersley, Charlie Perham, Andrew Linnett, Geraint Vaughan, Grace Tamsett, Will Andrews and Hannah Bone

Distribution Manager: Dick Naughton - 0117 9134342 6Senior Leader Comment [email protected] Major General Darren Crook Advertising Manager: Director Land Equipment Edwin Rodrigues [email protected] +44 (0) 20 3411 1008

Printing desider is distributed free to DE&S employees and the equipment capability organisations. Copies may be sent to readers outside MOD, including in the defence industries and is published on the world wide web via GOV.UK and www.des.mod.uk. While the editor takes care to ensure all material produced is accurate, no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Views expressed in desider, and products and services advertised, are not necessarily endorsed by DE&S or the MOD. All editorial submissions must be cleared by the relevant MOD authorities.

© Crown Copyright HMS8 Spey This magazine is printed on Novatech Matt FS 115gsm Final Offshore Patrol Vessel delivery which is Forest Stewardship Council certified material from well-managed forests and elemental chlorine free.

4 desider November 2020 Contents

ECRS10 Radar Joint team charter signed 21Women in Defence Celebrating DE&S staff

12Queen's Birthday Honours 24FUCHS Chemical, DE&S staff recognised for Biological, Radiological and dedication to defence Nuclear vehicle upgrade

17First Person 18Army Warfighting Experiment 2020 28Virtual London Marathon Min Rodriguez, DE&S Diversity,Inclusion and Wellbeing Lead

5 desider November 2020 Senior Leader Comment

Major General Darren Crook, Director Land Equipment, talks to Desider about his role, his priorities for the year ahead and being inspired through COVID-19.

Taking up post as Director Land how we work, and we’ve had to to exploit new technologies and with safety in mind. Whether that’s Equipment in February this year, identify and establish new tools for equipment. Adapting to this the safety of those on operations, I quickly found myself tackling a collaborating with each other to demand, increasing the pace of in our project teams, or our different challenge to that which get the job done. delivery while embracing the customers and suppliers, we must I expected, and one no-one could Although we’ve started to environmental challenges and take responsibility for looking have predicted-COVID-19. become more agile in our ways creating export opportunities, will after ourselves and each other. I Facing a global pandemic just of working, we must make every need all of us to be at our best. think that now, particularly in the two months into post has taught effort to continue to collaborate But, most importantly, my top midst of a pandemic, this is more me a lot about the people in my and communicate regularly with priority is always the safety of my obvious than ever. Let’s make it team and their commitment to industry, suppliers and customers. people. No matter our role, it’s count by driving on together. continuing to deliver day-in, day- This is vital to maintaining our pivotal that everything we do starts out, regardless of the significant relationships and ensuring we all changes we’ve been forced to make have a shared understanding of in the way we operate. Despite requirements. everything, their shared passion Continuing to set the conditions and dedication to delivery has for success, delivering with been at the forefront of their excellence and maintaining actions. in-service excellence to ensure Individuals and teams from success on current and future No matter our role, it’s pivotal across my operating centre have operations – even in the face of “ been working incredibly hard adversity – is a key priority going that everything we do starts to support the ongoing efforts forward. against COVID-19. We’ve had staff In the short term, my focus with safety in mind. Whether deployed to support the NHS and will be on delivering our major Cabinet Office, teams procuring projects and programmes that’s the safety of those on PPE, and of course those providing across the portfolio, for example operations, in our project equipment in support of COVID delivering close-combat approvals, teams, while also supporting delivering Ajax and maintaining teams, or our customers military logistic brigades and momentum on Boxer. Of course, and suppliers, we must take operations. this won’t be without its challenges Seeing different communities and one of the biggest we currently responsibility for looking after and networks of support grow face is how to continue delivering among our people during this positive outcomes with so many ourselves and each other time has been inspiring. We’ve external constraints in play. had to adapt our behaviours and In my opinion, the future of learn to communicate in different DE&S – and defence in general ways, become more flexible in – will see an increased appetite ” 6 desider November 2020 News

Fleet Solid Support ships will be built with British involvement

A competition to build three vessels for the Royal Navy will be launched in 2021 (Picture LPhot Luke)

Vital warships providing operation across trade, defence supplies and technical support to and security. the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers The speech will outline the UK’s will be built with British firms' commitment to shipbuilding and involvement, Defence Secretary pledge further burden-sharing Shipbuilding has historically been Ben Wallace has announced. with the US and NATO, thanks to “ A competition to build three the cutting-edge capability of the a British success story, and I am Fleet Solid Support vessels - which Queen Elizabeth-class carriers. will be launched by DE&S in Ben Wallace, Secretary of State determined to revitalise this amazing Spring 2021 - will help revitalise for Defence, said: “Shipbuilding industry as part of this Government’s British shipbuilding by requiring a has historically been a British significant proportion of the build success story, and I am determined commitment to build back better and assembly work to be carried to revitalise this amazing industry out in the UK. as part of this Government’s International companies will be commitment to build back better.” invited to work in collaboration Mr Wallace added: “The Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence with UK firms to feed in their Fleet Solid Support warships ” skills and expertise, but the competition will be the genesis of successful manufacturing team a great UK shipbuilding industry, competitive shipbuilding industry. delivers on time and at pace. must be led by a British company. and allow us to develop the skills The warships will incorporate In his role as shipbuilding tsar, This will have a huge impact on and expertise for the shipyards of next-generation technology with the Defence Secretary is actively the local economies across the UK tomorrow.” a purpose-built design and will reinvigorating UK shipbuilding where shipbuilding is a prominent The Fleet Solid Support ship eventually support HMS Queen by working with industry, other feature. competition will build on the Elizabeth and Prince of Wales as government departments and Hundreds of highly-skilled jobs success of the Type 31 programme, part of the Carrier Strike Group, international partners to boost will be created as a direct result which is being overseen by which will undertake its first productivity and competitiveness. of the announcement, with many DE&S and will be built primarily operational deployment next year. In the same week as the FSS more in small and medium-sized in Scotland. That frigate build The Secretary of State's announcement, the UK signed a enterprises throughout the supply is expected to support 1,250 announcement follows a period of Memorandum of Understanding chain for the new builds to follow highly-skilled jobs and 150 market engagement and a clearer with Australia to continue building over the next few years. apprenticeships across the country. understanding of how the strike and delivering the next generation The Defence Secretary The Fleet Solid Support group will operate and will allow of cutting-edge frigates together. confirmed the news ahead of warships competition will the MOD to consider a broader The Type 26 frigate programme his speech at the Atlantic Future be designed to challenge the range of ship designs. consists of eight ships and will Forum on October 21, where shipbuilding industry. The goal As well as setting out sustain 1,700 jobs in Scotland, UK and US leaders gathered on will be to build ships fit for the requirements for British and 4,000 jobs across the wider HMS Queen Elizabeth docked future, while boosting homegrown involvement, the competition maritime supply chain until 2035. in Portsmouth to discuss co- skills and leading to a highly- will set targets to ensure industry

7 desider November 2020 News

HMS Spey arrives in HMS Spey sails into Portsmouth Naval base for the first time (Picture RN Crown Copyright) Portsmouth marking proud moment for OPV fleet

The Royal Navy’s newest collaboration between DE&S and warship HMS Spey has arrived industry. in Portsmouth, marking the end At its peak, it has sustained of the DE&S led procurement of about 1,400 jobs within BAE the Batch 2 Offshore Patrol Vessel Systems and delivered a supply (OPV) fleet. chain spend of almost £240m to Spey is the final OPV designed more than 150 suppliers across and built by BAE Systems at the UK and Europe. More than its dockyard in Glasgow. Her 200 BAE Systems apprentices homecoming is a moment of experienced all aspects of ship enormous pride for the small team design, construction, outfitting, behind the programme, which has test and commissioning. delivered five warships in six years Meanwhile, several members at a pace not seen since the end of of the DE&S Delivery Team the Second World War. have followed the project from Having completed successful conception to completion, offering sea trials, HMS Spey will join her them a valuable opportunity to four operational sister ships – develop careers in commercial, Forth, Medway, Trent and Tamar. engineering and project HMS Spey will be one of the most management. environmentally-friendly vessels At least five level 1s have been serving the Navy thanks to a urea promoted while working on filter which reduces nitrogen the 90-metre long OPVs, while oxide emissions from the diesel some apprentices and graduates generators by about 90%. have used their experiences as Whether they are patrolling UK a springboard to join the Civil waters, thwarting smugglers in Service Fast Stream. the Caribbean or being deployed Graduate Hermann Daniel around the Falkland Islands, OPVs is a DE&S project manager and are versatile assets equipped with a was aboard Spey as she arrived in flight deck for a Merlin helicopter Portsmouth on October 30. HMS Forth in Portsmouth (Picture LPhot Barry Swainsbury) and an array of weaponry “My time on the project team including a 30mm cannon. has been very rewarding, both on DE&S’ OPV project manager, a personal and professional level,” My time on the project team has Gareth Morris, said: “I’m he said. “As we have been a small “ incredibly proud of my colleagues team throughout, I have been able been very rewarding. I have been when I step back and think of all to grow my skills outside of my they’ve achieved. We’ve delivered core engineering competencies able to grow my skills outside of my HM ships Forth, Medway, Trent, and take on extra responsibilities. Tamar and Spey – comprising “With such a fast-paced project, core engineering competencies and 10,000 tonnes of essential shipping I’ve had opportunities to learn take on extra responsibilities for the Royal Navy – in just six throughout various lifecycle stages. years. Stepping off HMS Spey’s gangway “The final three ships were at the end of her delivery voyage finished and delivered quicker to Portsmouth has been a fitting than at any time since the Second way to close out a highly enjoyable Hermann Daniel,” DE&S project World War, despite the onrush of project.” manager Graduate the coronavirus pandemic. HMS The OPV delivery has also laid Tamar, for example, was accepted the groundwork for the Type 26 by the MOD from the shipyard in programme, which is securing January and became operational Navy anti-submarine capability for for the Royal Navy by the end of the coming decades and providing programme. HMS Spey achieved Spey will undergo further trials August. thousands of jobs on the River ‘best in class’ and I am very proud and training before being formally “The programme has not been Clyde. of the team, who have fought transferred to the Royal Navy and without its challenges, but I believe Mark Beverstock, head of the adversity and have all raised commissioned. we rose to meet them as a team. OPV and Type 26 delivery teams, their game in order to complete Mike Macfarlane, OPV delivery The result is a new fleet of world- said: “As well as delivering five the programme on time and on director for BAE Systems, said: beating ships which are deployed ships to the Royal Navy, the OPV budget.” “Working collaboratively with globally, surpassing the Navy’s programme has played a crucial Team personnel are now the Royal Navy, the UK Ministry original requirement.” role in ensuring shipbuilding preparing to join other delivery of Defence and our suppliers, we The OPV programme, which capability for the future while teams across the DE&S business, have successfully overcome this has achieved around £44 million focusing on continuous with their expertise and experience year’s COVID-19 challenges to of savings against its original improvement. set to benefit major projects deliver this strategically important approved cost of £690-million, is “The standard of presentation including the Fleet Solid Support, programme which will benefit and completing on time and within of the Batch 2 OPVs improved Type 26 and Type 31 frigate protect our nation’s interests at budget. This is thanks to effective continuously through the programmes. home and abroad.”

8 desider November 2020 News

HMS Spey sails into Portsmouth Naval base for the first time (Picture RN Crown Copyright) HMS Tamar sailing past Saint Michaels Mount, Cornwall, UK (Picture LPhot Alex Ceolin)

HMS Medway at her naming ceremony (Picture Jack Eckersley)

HMS Forth in Portsmouth (Picture LPhot Barry Swainsbury)

Navy Cadets pictured at HMS Trent naming ceremony (Picture John Linton)

9 desider November 2020 News In Brief

ECRS Radar Joint team charter signed (Picture submitted)

ECRS Mk2 Charter Signed

Air Vice-Marshal Keith Bethell, Active Electronically Scanned The new radar will have an it will face in future years, but they Director Combat Air at DE&S, Array (AESA) radar, known as electronic warfare and electronic are also central to the longer term has signed a Joint Team Charter European Common Radar System attack capacity, in addition to and Future Combat Air System. in relation to the development of a (ECRS) Mk2. ‘traditional’ radar capabilities, to Also pictured during the world-leading radar for Typhoon. The continued development locate, identify and then suppress signing at Leonardo’s Edinburgh The signing, which recognises will see BAE Systems and enemy air defences using high- site is Alastair Morrison, the the importance of innovation Leonardo carry out the work, powered, wide-band jamming. company’s Deputy Managing and collaborative working, securing more than 600 highly- The advanced sensor technologies Director Electronics UK. comes shortly after £317-million skilled jobs across the UK, will not only ensure UK Typhoon of funding was released for the including more than 300 at maintains a capability edge in the continued development of a new Leonardo’s site in Edinburgh. increasingly contested battlespace

HMS Bulwark successfully docks at Devonport HMS Bulwark recently enterprise for achieving this while reached a significant milestone operating within the guidelines when she successfully docked imposed as a result of COVID-19. down as part of phase 2 on her With the ship now in dock, we journey through her Optimised can start to complete a significant Support Period. Having already and complex work package achieved significant upgrades to ahead of returning a very capable her propulsion system, phase 2 platform back to the Royal Navy will see completion of essential in 2023.” maintenance as well as mid-life Adopting a collaborative re-preservation of the ships water approach and driven by the ballast tanks. It will also see early Amphib SCA, the Amphib commencement of a significant enterprise has developed the upgrade to the cooling system Optimised Support Period that will give the ship increased spread over three phases, capability and sustainability. which fully capitalises on the HMS Bulwark will remain in industrial resource loading within dock to complete phase 2 ahead Devonport dockyard, thereby of her final phase 3 recertification maximising the investment to the package, before returning to fleet platform and efficiency generated in the summer of 2023. to further enhance the material Captain Peter Mackay, DE&S state of the vessel. Naval Ships Support team leader for capital ships said: “HMS Bulwark’s Optimised Support Period is testament to the HMS Bulwark at Devonport Dock (Picture courtesy of Babcock) outstanding efforts of the Amphib

10 desider November 2020 News In Brief

Apache put Army Air Corps visiting Scotland as part of Ex Olethrion Grey (Crown copyright) through its paces Apache aircraft have been put through their paces in the Scottish mountains as part of an exercise giving pilots valuable flying training. Exercise Olethrion Grey provided the opportunity for members of 662 Squadron to experience flying the attack helicopter in mountainous terrain. Over two days, pilots used three Apaches from the Wattisham- based unit to fly over Fife and the Highlands, passing over many of Scotland's famous landmarks. Designed to hunt and destroy tanks, the Apache, which can fly in all weathers, day and night, has significantly improved the Army's operational capability. It can detect, classify and prioritise up to 256 potential targets in a matter of seconds, has a mix of weapons and features a state-of-the-art fully integrated defensive aid suite. The Apache AH MK1 will be incrementally replaced by the latest Apache AH-64E aircraft, with initial operating capability scheduled for April 2022.

COVID can’t stop urgent delivery An urgent order of armoured distancing and the design and technology to provide not only vehicles for deployment to project reviews were conducted a ballistic protected shell, but high-risk environments has in a way that protected those also significant levels of blast been delivered to UK MOD involved, yet enabled continued protection from Improvised despite challenging COVID-19 vehicle delivery and sign off while Explosive Devices (IED) and restrictions. in lockdown. vehicle-borne IEDs. DE&S placed an Urgent Ian Wright, project lead for Lieutenant Colonel Jez Capability Requirement (UCR) the Dismounted Close Combat Johnson, Staff Officer 1 Combat contract with Jankel’s Armoured team at DE&S, said: “COVID Support System Programmes at Land Cruiser platforms, but restrictions presented many UK MOD, added: “I am extremely after restrictions were imposed challenges for all the teams pleased that both Jankel and industry, Army HQ and DE&S involved and I am delighted that DE&S have worked well together had to quickly work out revised we were able to overcome these, to meet the target deliveries, ways of operating that would safely, to deliver this essential especially throughout COVID-19 enable production to continue. equipment to the British Army.” restrictions.” HMS Bulwark at Devonport Dock (Picture courtesy of Babcock) The Jankel production facility The Armoured Land Cruiser was adapted to allow for social platforms use hot-formed

11 desider November 2020 Feature

Celebrating DE&S staff in Queen's Birthday Honours

Civil service and military personnel from across DE&S are among those recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Despite COVID-19 delaying the news that DE&S staff were among those awarded for their exceptional hard work and service to the United Kingdom, Desider now celebrates those who have received this outstanding achievement.

Air Commodore Paul Lloyd, This success follows Kevin and his Head of the D&ES Typhoon team winning a MinDP award for Delivery Team, has worked for ORCA in 2019 and a CEO award DE&S since 2012 and been in in 2020. Kevin said: charge of the team since 2016. Paul “I was pretty stunned when I was awarded a CBE, recognising found out and felt very humbled both his achievements in his because this is about what the current role and his near-30-years team’s delivered. I take real pride of service to the Royal Air Force. in it on behalf of the team.” Upon being awarded, Paul, said: Squadron Leader Rebecca “When I joined the RAF nearly Harnett, from the DE&S 30 years ago, I never expected to Airborne Equipment Delivery become Wing Commander, let Team was awarded a DCom Ops alone be recognised in the Queen’s Commendation. Birthday Honours” Rebecca volunteered on short Paul looks forward to going to notice to be the Chief of Staff Buckingham Palace with his wife on WESTERN HAWK 19 - the and two children but, for now, has largest overseas deployment of the marked the occasion with a glass Red Arrows in the team's 54-year of champagne. Alongside this history. incredible achievement. Rebecca led her team in the Julian Webb (Picture by Jack Eckersley) Paul is to be promoted to Air successful delivery of the complex Vice-Marshal and become Chief logistic and personnel plan which of Staff Support, Headquarters Air supported 25 locations, provided Command, and chief engineer 21 displays and 30 flypasts and a (RAF) with effect from January range of more than 120 ground 7, 2021. It is said that good things engagement events, spanning an come in threes, so Paul has of intense 11-week period. The tour course bought a lottery ticket. reached an audience of almost Having been in Royal Navy for two billion people and was highly 30 years, Surface Ship Combat successful for the UK prosperity System Group team leader, agenda and defence engagement. Captain Kevin Noakes was Rebecca was awarded this awarded an OBE (or an Obi Wan commendation in recognition Kenobi as his son put it) for his of her contribution to the tour’s leadership and management as the success. Combat system design authority Rebecca said: “I was extremely for warships. This, his 30-years surprised and a little stunned as of service to the Royal Navy and the tour was a career highlight for his vision and drive to deliver me and was an entire team effort.” open architecture combat systems Senior Naval applicator Lee earned Kevin this recognition. Wilcock, from the DE&S Maritime

When I joined the “RAF nearly 30 years ago, I never expected to become Wing Commander let alone be recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honours

Air Commodore Paul Llolyd, Head of the D&ES Typhoon” Delivery Team Kevin Noakes (Picture submitted)

12 desider November 2020 Feature

Combat Systems team was Paulette Cope, DE&S Materiel awarded a Meritorious Service Distribution Land assistant head Medal in this year’s honours. Soon has been part of DE&S since 2011 Lee will be celebrating 30 years and was recently awarded an in the Royal Navy and the medal OBE for the management of the recognises long-term service in Project Phoenix II. A Worldwide the armed forces. Only a limited White Fleet provision across all number of these medals are 7 TLBs, c 15,000 vehicles and 14 awarded each year. countries, supporting the military Lee was recognised for his and civilians. outstanding contribution to the On receiving a letter from the Navy throughout his career having Cabinet Office Paulette, said: served with distinction since 1991. “It was a massive surprise and I His citation noted he has set the thought it was scam to start with, I highest personal and professional had to call the number provided to standards, acting as a fine example make sure it was legitimate! I had a to others. great team and stakeholders from Celebrating the occasion with all the TLBs around me, so even a tot (or two) of rum, Lee said: “It though it was a really tough role, is wonderful to be honoured in I still managed to make a lot of this way, recognising that it is the friends along the way. I feel really support of my amazing family and honoured, as I felt I was just doing the many great teams I have been my job, but I am very grateful.” Paul Lloyd (Picture submitted) privileged to be a part of that has DE&S Naval Ship Support brought me to this point.” Warrant Officer Tim Cox works in Project Manager Julian Webb integrated logistic support on the was awarded an MBE for his work Queen Elizabeth Class strategic for public service in the Strategic class authority programme. Enablers domain. Coming as Having served in the Royal a complete surprise to Julian, Navy for over 40 years, Tim was he was recognised for building awarded a meritorious medal a niche capability within the for distinguished service and Integrated Battlespace Operating dedication to the Royal Navy. Centre (IBOC). Julian said: “I On receiving this recognition, feel extremely humbled and very Tim said: “When I started my grateful that people took the time career I was just focusing on and effort to submit a nomination. completing my six-weeks of You never think that you would training - there’s no way I would achieve that level of recognition, have envisaged this.” or for someone to consider work For Tim, this award was totally that you’ve done is worthy of that. out of the blue and he’s looking You look up to people who’ve forward to the official presentation got these honours and now to be in the future with his wife and considered in the same category children. He takes huge pride is fantastic. I have received some in this award and is extremely lovely messages of congratulations humbled by this recognition. from friends and colleagues which makes it extra special.”

Rebecca Harnett (Picture submitted)

Lee Wilcock (Picture submitted) Tim Cox (Picture submitted)

13 desider November 2020 News

DE&S award £46-million deployable bridges contract

The Operational Infrastructure Team within Land Equipment at DE&S have recently awarded a £46-million contract with UK industry to provide rapidly deployable bridges for the British Army. WFEL, based in Stockport, have been contracted to provide 17 sets of its Medium Girder Bridges (MGB) which can be configured in several different ways to provide flexibility to the commander on the ground. DE&S Operational Infrastructure Team leader, Mike Batty, said: “I am extremely proud of the team, who have worked tirelessly with industry to ensure the British Army are provided with an exceptional bridging system that can be utilised at pace during both military operations and for humanitarian relief.” The bridges will be deployed by the Royal Engineers. Major Tom Exelby, of the Royal Engineers, said: “The MGB will provide lightweight medium gap capability to Very High Readiness forces and will form a significant element of the Strike Brigade’s manoeuvre support capability. MGB was chosen for its versatility and deployability to meet the challenges of the future integrated operating concept.” The signing of the contract will also provide continuing employment for 50 direct WFEL production-related personnel and is expected to create an additional 15 to 20 skilled and production support jobs. It is also estimated that the contract will secure a further 100 jobs in the supply chain in the North of England and Scotland. Minister of Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin, said: “This £46-million contract of new military bridges not only secures jobs within Stockport, but also supports significant numbers of jobs in the wider UK supply chain. Royal Engineers from 37 (Three Seven) Squadron strip a medium girder bridge (Picture Sgt Wes Calder RLC) “These bridges provide our armed forces with vital capabilities in both military and disaster relief operations.” The MGB contract will be fulfilled by December 2025, with The Medium Girder Bridges will the first two bridging sets delivered “ to the MOD by December 2021. form a significant element of the Strike Brigade’s manoeuvre support capability.

Major Tom Exelby, ”of the Royal Engineers

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desider November 2020 DE&S People

On creating an inclusive workplace, being persistent and women’s football Min Rodriguez is the Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Lead for DE&S. Having been a diversity practitioner for over two decades, Min believes she can make a difference

What does your role involve? How important to you is with solicitors across England I help DE&S create a diverse teamwork? and Wales. I thought this would and inclusive workplace. A place Teamwork is incredibly be a great next move within a that anyone would want to work important because the complex organisation, making a in and where people feel they environment I operate in cannot return to the Civil Service after can be their authentic selves. be delivered in isolation. It takes a 15-year break. It’s challenging, I work with colleagues across a team of us firstly to consider but I believe I can really make a the organisation to review and the issues at hand, and secondly difference here. develop policy, programmes and to apply diversity of thought for initiatives, deliver training and the co-creation of solutions that What do you most enjoy about awareness and ensure that our can address those issues. My team your job? people feel confident around and wider stakeholders across I enjoy everything about my equality, diversity, inclusion and the organisation are invaluable to job. Like I said earlier, this isn’t a wellbeing. I lead a magnificent making what I do work. My work job, so what’s not to enjoy about team of people who are absolutely just couldn’t happen without my that! committed to making DE&S the colleagues - wherever they are in best place to work in the Civil the organisation. What do you enjoy doing in Service. your spare time? How are you helping embed I’m in the last stages of my What about your role change in your area? professional doctorate (DBA) is exciting, rewarding or I think I’m helping embed and I’ve been researching the interesting? change by being persistent. I’m differential outcomes for black I am extremely lucky that my sure there will be many people staff in UK higher education. role is not a job, but a way of life. around DE&S who agree with I’m very lucky to be researching It is incredibly rewarding and I this comment. That aside, many an area that I’m very passionate am fortunate to be working in people can see the benefits of about, so even in my spare time such a complex, yet interesting, what I am trying to achieve, I’m reading, thinking and writing motivating, yet frustrating which of course touches everyone about equality, diversity and field. No two days are the same. in some way. What I do is about inclusion. When I’m not doing This is an incredibly exciting, continuous improvement to that, I love gardening, DIY and fast-paced and demanding area people’s lives, to the way we I’ll pretty much travel anywhere within the HR function, but I operate, to how innovative we are as I love exploring new things and work with so many people within and how we are perceived within eating great food! and outside the organisation and outside the organisation. We that the days absolutely fly by. can all be winners in this game, What might surprise people The complexity and scope of the and I’m thrilled that individuals about you? topics I cover means that the and teams across DE&S are I was awarded the equivalent of work is always interesting – pretty starting to engage in creative and an England cap for representing much everything between legal thoughtful ways. Everyone else is the UK Civil Service in women’s compliance and implementing helping me embed change because football in the 1990s. It sounds action plans. The fact that things I can’t do it alone. like I only played once, but we had are not always black and white to play around a dozen games, requires engaging the grey Why did you choose to pursue which meant years of matches! cells quite often and this can a career in DE&S? It’s still wrapped in a little bag, sometimes be challenging but I chose to come to DE&S but it’s lovely to take it out now extremely gratifying, especially because of the role. I have been and again to see the lovely golden when you find the right solutions. a diversity practitioner for more tassel and gold CSSC stitched on than two decades and have moved the front. I retired some years ago, primarily around the public but it’s been amazing to have seen and not-for-profit sectors, and women’s football go from strength latterly in the legal sector working to strength over that time.

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Army Warfighting Experiment 2020

AWE20 was the first Army event that brought together military and industry en masse under COVID-19 restrictions. The DE&S Future Capability Group (FCG) recently worked to support Army headquarters to deliver the latest iteration of the Army’s flagship experiment: The Army Warfighting Experiment (AWE).

Emerging technologies were This year’s AWE focus was with 400 personnel made up of “AHQ are again indebted explored as the Army Warfighting Agile Command, Control and 250 military and 150 industry. to FCG for their outstanding Experiment (AWE) 2020 Communication (C3). The The DE&S Future Capability stewardship of the AWE series, descended upon Salisbury Plain. live experiment took place at Group was the central enabler to where a real depth and breadth Previously known as ‘Urban Westdown Camp, Salisbury Plain, the wide variety of stakeholders. of experience is now starting Experimentation’ or URBEX, and brought together 55 systems The team has developed a novel to deliver significant benefits. AWE is an ongoing series of major from 40 industry partners, along commercial framework that Looking to the future, it is our experiments that allows the British enables an open and collaborative shared intention, alongside FCG, Army to engage and collaborate community of suppliers to engage to set AWE on a programmatic with a broad cross-section of with the user community. These footing to deliver further benefits industry partners, particularly suppliers do this at nil cost to the throughout a stable five-year small and medium-sized MOD, knowing the user feedback series.” enterprises. is invaluable. Having enabled a Dragon’s Looking at innovative Lieutenant Colonel Iain Den-style down-select of the initial approaches, this informs Lamont, Staff Officer 1 Robotics 150 applications, FCG went on to investment decisions and and Autonomous Systems at Army work closely with the Army’s Trials identifies capabilities suitable HQ, said: “Bouncing straight and Development Units (TDUs) to for rapid exploitation to off the back of AWE19 (Human ensure they had the knowledge of provide the Army with Machine Teaming) in September, the equipment supplied to safely operational advantages AWE20 delivered another major and successfully test it, as well as on the battlefield. cutting-edge experiment. This ensuring the right expertise was series remains the Army’s hallmark in place to create a trial design fit large-scale experimentation, set for the challenges posed by the within a demanding, tactical capability owners. scenario.

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AWE20 was the first Army event live experiment as well as multiple government policy and guidance that brought together military visitors’ days. On visiting day to the highest professional and industry en masse under one, chief scientific adviser Dame standard to achieve an opportunity COVID-19 restrictions with the Angela McLean launched the for over 110 industry and Army experiment approved and cleared MOD’s Science and Technology stakeholders to collaborate to by Army Environmental Health Strategy in a joint press conference tackle how we can transform the and Force Protection, which noted with the Secretary of State, Ben Army to become ‘more agile, more the high standard of work and Wallace, outlining how the MOD lethal, more expeditionary, more attitude towards working within a will secure and maintain scientific of the time’. COVID-secure environment. and technological advantage for “Moreover, they have proven the To enable all the disparate the future. resilience of the AWE brand and experimentation products Days two and three brought cemented AWE as a key event in from industry to integrate and together 200 selected guests, Army’s calendar.” communicate with each other starred officers from allied nations Looking ahead, AWE21 the Land Systems Reference and key decision makers from aims to revolutionise the Centre, Blandford designed and across defence, to explore the approach to collective training built a bespoke communications findings from AWE20 and to look by experimenting with future network, named MANNA. Now an forward to the future of Army technology and concepts that MOD-owned capability, MANNA research and experimentation. The will provide seamless transitions enables many different industry Minister for Defence Procurement, between live and virtual collective partners to integrate without Jeremy Quin, and Chief of the training environments. sharing proprietary information General Staff, General Sir Mark For further information about with competitors. MANNA will Carleton-Smith, were also in AWE21 and how go on to provide an enduring attendance. to join the capability for pan-defence benefit James Morris, FCG programme launch event on beyond AWE and will facilitate manager, said: “In spite of an November 10, experimentation activities for initial lockdown, working from email ArmyCap- years to come. home, working dispersed and AWE21- Showcasing the outputs of grappling with the new normal, GrpMail@ 67 industry partners, DE&S the project team delivered a mod.gov. coordinated the delivery of the successful AWE20 in line with uk.

Army Warfighting Experiment 2020, Westdown 19 Camp, Salisbury Plain (Picture Jack Eckersley) desider November 2020 Feature

DM Gosport continues to deliver safely in 2020

Since COVID-19 restrictions came into place earlier in the year, DE&S have done a huge amount of work to enable our people to work remotely where possible and create COVID-19 secure workplaces. Work on our operational sites has continued and Desider talks to Defence Munitions Gosport head of establishment, Gary Tuff, and site manager Mark Champion about how safety is never compromised.

Defence Munitions (DM) while facing the challenges of case the local Nightingale hospital “All DE&S DM sites have Gosport, located on a 550-acre the new norm. For us, it’s been needs it. maintained outputs. Whether site on the western shore of about safety and delivery. We’ve “We’ve not stopped,” added that’s the Sea Viper missile here or Portsmouth harbour, is responsible constantly delivered for the front- Gary. “We’ve continued to deliver the Storm Shadow at DM Beith, for the storage, safety, technical line commands, while addressing to the customer and we’re now Paveways at Glen Douglas or compliance and co-ordination the challenges presented by working against the revised outfitting a Type 23 at Plymouth, of processing and distributing COVID-19.” risk assessment and adapting to we have consistently delivered a vast array of munitions – be it The team has also supported the the new normal. More recently to our FLC’s throughout the bullets or Sea Viper missiles. With NHS by taking in two shipping we have been reviewing the pandemic. I’m immensely proud approximately 200 staff across containers with spare equipment. requirement for face coverings and of how DM Gosport has reacted. 160 facilities, DM Gosport also As part of a local agreement, DM how we can support the NHS app Their behaviours have been first provides maintenance and test Gosport will hold the items in across the site. c l a s s .” space for a range of complex and general munitions. Due to the nature of the site, DM Gosport is controlled stringently with robust policies and procedures to ensure safety on site. DM Gosport supplies munitions for ships at HMNB Portsmouth. With staff unable I’m immensely“ to do their jobs remotely, the site has remained open throughout proud of how the COVID-19 pandemic as the DM Gosport has efficiency of DM sites can have a huge impact on the readiness reacted - staff and capability of our front-line commands. behaviours have Head of establishment Gary Tuff been first class and site manager Mark Champion oversaw many extra requirements, including a multitude of COVID-19 risk assessments from lodgers and contactors to Gary Tuff, DM Gosport head of establishment” ensure all working practices were managed in line with the advice from the Government. Mark also provided permits, clear guidance to visitors and distributed PPE such as hand sanitisers, antibacterial spray, gloves, mask and overalls. Mark said: “The biggest challenge was managing the practical side of things. We had to put up a lot of signage, organise the completion of building and hygiene forms and ensure all workspaces were COVID secure. “Although very time consuming, it was important to get this right and has put us in good stead for the second national lockdown.” DM Gosport set up a Site Recovery Team (SRT) team alongside other DE&S DM sites, meeting virtually every day to ensure there continued to be consistency across all DM sites while delivering operational essential requirements. Gary explained: “We’ve had to maintain operational output Upper Harbour Ammunitioning Facility at DM Gosport (Picture Jack Eckersley)

20 desider November 2020 Feature

DE&S staff recognised at prestigious Women in Defence UK awards The Women in Defence UK Awards are an annual celebration of the value women bring to the defence sector, be it the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, MOD, MI5, industry or academia. Chosen from over 500 inspirational nominees from across the defence community, women in DE&S were among those recognised for their valuable contribution to defence and to DE&S.

Head of personal ballistic commercial head, was also protection in Defence Ordnance credited at the annual awards. Safety Group (DOSG) Science Gemma was shortlisted for the and Technology, Dr Eluned Most Collaborative award for Lewis, is one of the DE&S women her commercial work on the recognised in the highly-esteemed ARTEMIS space-based Intelligence awards. Eluned is a DE&S Surveillance and Reconnaissance Senior Specialist Fellow and was (ISR) experimentation. nominated earlier this year for Gemma was part of Team her work in personal ballistic ARTEMIS alongside Air protection. She has since become Command, Defence Science and a finalist in the Unsung Heroine Technology Laboratory, DE&S category. FCG and industry to put in place On her nomination, Eluned three qualifying defence contracts said: “There are so many women and obtain a qualifying defence in defence that deserve to be contract exemption within three celebrated for their achievements. months. I feel extremely humbled and Gemma said: “I am really proud grateful to be recognised, but to be shortlisted for the Most most of all proud to be part Collaborative award and the fact of the Women in Defence UK Air Command took the time to community.” recognise the commercial efforts Eluned’s citation was for the and recognise the value of DE&S work she is doing to ensure women FCG is brilliant. I feel that we have on the front line have better-fitting built excellent relationships with equipment, such as body armour the customer and demonstrated and helmets. The citation also how FCG add value to complex highlighted her work on medical novel technology projects. I am coverage that used scientific data really pleased I have helped FCG Gemma Smith (Picture by Jack Eckersley) to optimise body armour coverage develop a great reputation for and reduce excess weight carried pushing commercial boundaries by our troops. and taking a different approach Eluned added: “People shouldn’t to risk. underestimate how valued it Being shortlisted for this award makes you feel when someone else has been an incredible highlight in has noticed how hard you work, my career.” so it’s great to have such a scheme Many congratulations to all to recognise and celebrate the shortlisted nominees and finalists collective contribution of women on this incredible achievement. in defence.” The winners will be announced Gemma Smith, DE&S at an awards dinner on March 24, Future Capability Group (FCG) 2021.

There are so many Women in Defence that“ deserve to be celebrated for their achievements. I feel extremely humbled and grateful to be recognised, but most of all proud to be part of the Women in Defence UK community

Dr Eluned Lewis (Picture by Ronald Lee) Dr Eluned” Lewis 21 desider November 2020 News

Poseidon arrives at its new home in Scotland

Four of the RAF Poseidon MRA hangar and accommodation for Mk1 fleet have arrived “home” for two squadrons, training and the first time at RAF Lossiemouth mission support facilities including in Scotland. state-of-the art flight simulators, The first of the submarine- the first of which was delivered in hunting aircraft to land on the August. resurfaced runway was ZP802 'City Station Commander of RAF of Elgin', next to arrive was ZP801 Lossiemouth, Group Captain 'Pride of Moray', closely followed Chris Layden, said: “Today by ZP803 'Terence Bulloch' less (October 13) is a proud moment than two hours later, having been for Team Lossie, ushering in a flown directly from the US on its new era for the station delivering delivery flight. 'Spirit of Reykjavik' combat air power and maritime recently followed, joining as the patrol operations over and around fourth member of the fleet. the United Kingdom. The fleet will be based “Yesterday, I had the privilege in a £100-million strategic of landing the first Typhoon on facility designed and built by our newly resurfaced runways, Boeing Defence UK and local and today I had the pleasure of construction partner Robertson, welcoming in the first Poseidon to delivered by DE&S to the RAF at its permanent home in Moray.” the end of September. Before a £75-million runway Michelle Sanders, DE&S P-8A and infrastructure upgrade was Delivery Team leader, said: “Seeing completed at Lossiemouth, the RAF Lossiemouth’s Station Commander Group Captain Chris Layden stands alongside Officer Commanding 120 Squadron, Wing Commander James Hanson after they received ZP802 at its new permanent home (Crown copyright) the fleet grow in size and ‘come Poseidons were flying out of home’ helps underline the key part Kinloss. played by the DE&S P-8A Delivery The next RAF Poseidons have Team. been painted at Boeing’s Renton “Close and co-operative site in the US and are currently working with colleagues from located at the P-8 Installation and Air Command, the US Navy Checkout facility in Tukwila, south and industry over the past five of Seattle, where mission systems years has been key to us reaching are installed and further testing this very significant stage in the will take place before delivery. programme.” All nine of the fleet, based on Nine Poseidons have been the Next-Generation 737, are ordered from Boeing, the first of expected to be in the UK by the which – 'Pride of Moray' – landed end of 2021. on British soil at Kinloss Airfield The UK's fourth Poseidon in February. Since then, crews MRA1 maritime patrol aircraft from CXX Squadron – a maritime arrived at RAF Lossiemouth on patrol squadron based in Scotland November 3. It has been named – have been securing the seas Spirit of Reykjavik in honour of around the UK on operational the role played by the Icelandic missions. capital and its people in enabling 54 Squadron have also been the Allied victory during the Battle training new pilots and weapons of the Atlantic. systems operators on the platform, The RAF Poseidon fleet will as 400 additional military provide cutting-edge maritime personnel will be joining Team patrol capabilities working side- Lossie in Moray to fly and operate by-side with the Royal Navy to the nine aircraft. secure the seas around the UK and Poseidon has the capability abroad. to locate, identify and track potentially hostile submarines as they operate close to our waters. All three of the RAF Poseidon MRA Mk1 fleet have arrived “home” for the first time (Crown copyright) Its powerful radar is also able to detect and track surface vessels above the waves. It boasts a comprehensive communications suite which means the intelligence it gathers can be passed to commanders whether they are in the air, on a ship, on the ground, or back at Lossiemouth. The strategic facility took two years to build has a three-bay

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The fourth P-8A Poseidon MRA1 departs from the US (Picture submitted by Boeing)

RAF Lossiemouth’s Station Commander Group Captain Chris Layden stands alongside Officer Commanding 120 Squadron, Wing Commander James Hanson after they received ZP802 at its new permanent home (Crown copyright)

All three of the RAF Poseidon MRA Mk1 fleet have arrived “home” for the first time (Crown copyright) (Crown copyright)

Seeing the fleet grow in size “and ‘come home’ helps underline the key part played by the DE&S P-8A Delivery Team

Michelle Sanders, DE&S” P-8A Delivery Team leader 23 desider November 2020 News

British Army’s CBRN reconnaissance vehicle fleet to be enhanced

DE&S have negotiated a Dr Simon Dakin, DE&S £16-million contract to upgrade Director ISTAR, said: and sustain the British Army’s “This important vehicle critical fleet of specialist CBRN provides a critical element of the (Chemical, Biological, Radiological Army’s battlefield reconnaissance and Nuclear) surveillance and and counter-CBRN capability. reconnaissance vehicles. This significant contract will not FUCHS reconnaissance vehicles only support the platform to the are six-wheeled, all-wheel drive, end of its planned service life but armoured vehicles which have will also update the platform’s been adapted into a protected comprehensive sensor suite, platform to carry out chemical, allowing it to detect the full radiological and nuclear survey spectrum of hazardous substances and reconnaissance missions. that may be encountered on the The vehicles are equipped with modern battlefield. automatic systems and sensors for This contract award is the result detecting nuclear radiation as well of excellent teamwork between as CBRN agents and other toxic the CBRN delivery team, users, substances. industry and DSTL.” The importance of the UK’s RBSL will also make some counter-CBRN capabilities has planned safety modifications and been highlighted both in the implement a new support contract, conflict in Syria and the response which will include technical to the Salisbury nerve agent support, provision of spares incident in 2018. and repairs, maintenance, The vehicle can travel at speeds training and design of up to 100kph and is operated by services to the end of a four-strong team who are sealed the planned service in against hazardous environments life. and can establish the severity Colonel Tim and location of any chemical or Chapman, assistant radiological threat. head counter-CBRN, The nine-strong fleet of FUCHS Army HQ, said: are complemented by a training “The Army, on behalf of simulator – that will also be defence, are pleased to welcome updated and sustained under RBSL as industry partners to the contract – which ensures sustain our specialist FUCHS the specialist operators within vehicles into the future. the Warminster-based Falcon The provision of world Squadron can undergo regular class Area Surveillance and training on site. Reconnaissance (AS&R) capability Minister for the Armed Forces, is a cornerstone of the UK’s James Heappey, said: Defence C-CBRN policy, which “With the military landscape seeks to avoid the hazard, protect rapidly changing, it has never been the force and preserve fighting more important to develop our power in order to maintain capabilities and continue to strive operational freedom of action post for innovation and adaptability. a CBRN incident. “This impressive contract award The contract will ensure this is a strong and positive step to vital capability is updated and evolve our traditional equipment maintained, providing reassurance into nimble and ground-breaking to allies and partners whilst technologies.” bolstering our deterrence to The contract, placed with would-be aggressors.” Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land The work will take place at (RBSL) will protect highly- RBSL’s facility in Telford, West skilled jobs in engineering and Midlands, with the support of the manufacturing and will see RBSL UK supply chain. remove obsolescence issues associated with equipment. FUCHS will also be upgraded with the latest generation of sensing capabilities, ensuring it is able to continue to perform its role successfully.

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The contract will“ ensure this vital capability is updated and maintained, providing reassurance to allies and partners whilst bolstering our deterrence to would-be aggressors

Colonel Tim Chapman,” assistant head counter-CBRN, Army HQ

One of the Army’s fleet of FUCHS reconnaissance vehicles being put through its paces by Falcon Squadron Royal Tank Regiment (Picture Andrew Linnett)

25 desider November 2020 DE&S People

60 second spotlight

Agnieszka Trzcinska

Job: cognitive behavioural therapy. I also transform my love for art Project Controls cost controller and painting by restoring old working for the logistic delivery trainers and applying new eclectic fuels and infrastructure designs to them. Who doesn’t headquarters finance team based want to give a second life to their at MOD Abbey Wood. favourite pair of shoes?

Your route into DE&S? What are you most proud of? I originally come from a rural I am most proud of arriving in the village in Poland, but I quickly UK with just £70 to my name, discovered that my ambitions some broken English and working were too big for such a small hard to get to where I am now. place. At the age of 19, I moved It proved to me that anything to the city to attend university is possible if you want it hard which opened my eyes to the enough. possibilities around me. This eventually led me to the UK in If you were sent to a desert 2016 to start a new challenge island, what three things (especially because I could speak would you take with you? no English back then). After years I would take my favourite book, of hard grafting and many odd The Little Prince by Antoine jobs I now work proudly for DE&S de Saint-Exupéry. It is such a while studying for my Master’s in wonderful story that I hold dear. I project management. would also take a solar-powered iPod with my entire collection of Your claim to fame? music so that I would never get I once helped orchestrate a show bored, and a Swiss Army knife – within the Poznań Fashion Fair obviously! 2014 for a big-name fashion icon I am most proud of in Poland. He personally thanked “ What irritates you the most? me and offered me a job! Also, I People who stop walking in the arriving in the UK with once high-fived the Pope. When street in front of you. Why? I was eight my mom took me just £70 to my name, to see the Pope John Paul II in What is your favourite place in some broken English 1999 when he had a pilgrimage the world? very close to my home village. He I love the Isle of Man, a place that and working hard to get briefly said hello to the crowd and reminds you how life should be. to where I am now as kid not really thinking much, I Peaceful, with green rolling hills high fived him when he wanted to dotted with sheep, lush glens bless me. with rushing streams and mini waterfalls. An excellent place to Your advice to anyone? cycle along the coast. Don’t give up when your life ” journey gets difficult. It is these What would surprise people points that build you into the about you? person you are today and give I used to want to be a nun and you the confidence to tackle I am proficient in driving 15-ton greater challenges. John Deere Tractors. Do you or What do you do when you’re away from work? someone you In my free time I like to explore know deserve Bristol on my bicycle. There are so many nooks and crannies their 60 to such a compact city. In the seconds in the evenings, when not studying for my Master’s, I am fascinated by spotlight? psychology, mindfulness and

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26 Independent technical expertise and consultancy

With over thirty years of defence experience and a wealth of professional engineering, asset management and programme management expertise, we deliver enduring and value-adding solutions.

www.bmt.org desider November 2020 DE&S People

DE&S Learning at Work Week DE&S recently celebrated that inspired attendees to Learning at Work Week - an reflect on their own ambitions. annual event that puts a Workshops on developing spotlight on the importance IT skills, people and self- of continual learning and management methods, development. and resilience were enjoyed The theme of Learning at throughout the week. Work Week 2020 was “learning Head of Learning, Talent and journeys”. DE&S heard from Inclusion, Amanda Lammonby, Shaun Wallace, better known said: “Feedback from our virtual as “The Dark Destroyer” on Learning at Work Week has ITV’s The Chase and learning been incredibly positive and I and development specialist and was delighted to see so many author, Paul Matthews. Shaun people investing in their own shared his take on being a development. We hope people “goal model,” the value of hard continue to explore and benefit work and the importance of from DE&S’ many learning staying grounded. Paul brought opportunities.” learning and development to life with engaging and humorous stories from his extensive travels. DE&S Director Strategy & Corporate Operations, Krishna Dhanak, and Simon Dakin, Executive Learning Sponsor and Director Integrated Battlespace Operating Centre, also delivered thought- provoking sessions on their careers and learning journeys

Hilary takes on virtual London Marathon DE&S business support biggest challenge yet: running manager Hilary Sturgeon has the London Marathon. Due to recently completed her first COVID-19 restrictions, this year marathon in aid of Sands, a those who entered the race national charity in the UK that were encouraged to complete provides support to anyone the 26.2 miles wherever they affected by the death of a baby. could. Having joined her local Alongside two of her friends, running club about five years Hilary completed the race in five ago, Hilary enjoys running hours and 38 minutes and was as the benefits to her mental cheered on her way by friends health and the friends she who ran with her throughout has made throughout running different sections of her route. have been fantastic. In the Hilary is the point of contact past, Hilary has raised lots for local Sands groups as the of money for Sands as the befriender and the treasurer charity supported her when and, so far, she has raised more her first son, Oscar, was born than £4,300 for the cause. Visit prematurely and unfortunately Hilary’s fundraising page here: died after four weeks in https://www.justgiving.com/ intensive care. Eleven years on, fundraising/hilary-sturgeon1 Hilary decided to set herself her

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DE&S partners with Women's Engineering Society the MOD Lottery DE&S has recently partnered inspire the next generation of June with Women’s Engineering engineers.” winners Society to further develop and DE&S already supports MOTTO support female engineers, and Women’s Engineering Society’s inspire the next generation of International Women in £10,000 Mark Duncan women to consider a career in Engineering Day and regularly £2,500 Steven Perry, Rosyth engineering. engages in STEM (Science, £1,000 Colin Best, Lisburn The partnership marks Technology, Engineering £500 Joanne Dunning, Gloucester DE&S’ ongoing commitment to and Maths) outreach events improve diversity and inclusion to encourage diversity and £250 Joanne Dunning, Gloucester in the engineering sector. increased rates of participation £100 Paul Roberts, DSTL DE&S Diversity, Inclusion and among young people. Andy Jenkins, Bristol Wellbeing lead, Min Rodriguez, It also has its own Women said: “Women continue to Engineering Network providing Matthew Towers, RAF Waddington be under-represented in support and opportunities for Suzanne Fletcher, Birmingham engineering. Despite efforts women working in engineering Robert Williamson, Helensburgh to address the imbalance, roles at DE&S and comes up just 12% of those working in with ideas to inspire female Rochelle Trebble, Swindon engineering occupations are engineers of the future. The Mike Green, Plymouth women compared with 47% of network has grown to more Mark Waite, Bicester the overall UK workforce. than 80 members and is “Over the next year, we’ll leading positive change within Joanne Harvey, Warminster be working with the Women’s the organisation. Helen Deas, Perth Engineering Society to promote Find out more about the Neil Weaver, Portsmouth engineering as a challenging, DE&S engineering function Maggie Heywood, Gloucester creative and rewarding industry and the career opportunities and understand how we available here: https://des.mod. Bernadette Stephenson, Newcastle can further support women uk/careers/engineering-roles/ Ian Gibson in engineering, and help John Galic, RAF Brize Norton John Young Joanna Taylor, Bristol Michelle Portch, Lincoln Paul Britton, Cardiff Keith Board, Bristol

Land Equipment Operating Centre leads the conversation around race and culture A group of volunteers from Alongside DE&S race and they continue to work with the Land Equipment Operating culture advocates, the trio the Diversity, Inclusion and Centre have opened up the covered topics such as micro Wellbeing lead Min Rodriguez, conversation around race and aggressions, white privilege as well as the DE&S Diversity culture by holding a series of and white fragility. To date, 100 and Inclusion champion, Vice workshops. people have attended the virtual Admiral Chris Gardner. Jessica Beddis, Dylan sessions. Alongside the success of Balgobin and Klarissa Reddicks Reflecting on the workshops, the ongoing race and culture from the DE&S Artillery Systems Klarissa said: “I feel a sense workshops, DE&S have held team decided to hold these of pride to have been able to more ‘Let’s Talk about Race’ workshops in response to the collaborate with colleagues to sessions that will continue to coverage of the Black Lives deliver a workshop about a run throughout the rest of the Matter movement. subject I am very passionate financial year. Jess explained: “The idea about. My vision for the future is of the workshops came for the subject to become less about after a frank and open taboo and we can finally say: conversation after which we 'all lives matter'.” developed the ‘Let’s Talk about The team is now preparing Race’ workshops.” further workshops and

29 desider November 2020 Recruitment Case Study Mel Jonik, iLog Process Manager, gives her insight into some of the benefits of What do you most enjoy about your job? working for the organisation Working with people to solve problems and exceed customer expectations. The bigger the problem, the more thrilling the ride! But the best is when you know you have made it easier for someone to do their job, especially in such busy and challenging times. Name: Mel Jonik What’s your ambition? One day, I’d like to become CEO. Job title: iLog Process Manager What’s your greatest achievement to date? Joining DE&S under the COVID-19 Lockdown! I How long have you worked for DE&S? have received amazing support and cannot believe 5 months it has only been five months. Skype is my new best friend - I have enjoyed being creative in building new Why did you choose to pursue a career in DE&S? relationships and hosting Skype group workshops Following an extensive career in health and beauty with ‘sticky notes’ instead of biscuits. I have promised product development, manufacturing, commercial, biscuits when back on site! project management and supply chain, I was looking for a new challenge and supporting and servicing our Why would you recommend DE&S to others as a country’s armed forces was a personal aspiration. I great place to work? wanted to use my knowledge and experience to help DE&S is dynamic and exciting. The opportunities make a difference where it mattered. here are vast and the people really are inspiring. You really can make a difference. What does your role entail? I am part of a team facilitating the creation and What are the social benefits of working for DE&S? publishing of processes across DE&S domains. Our Being a ‘lockdown starter’, I unfortunately have objective is to create processes that provide clear not been able to explore and experience the social guidelines and forge a standard approach as directed benefits that DE&S and Abbey Wood has to offer. by policy. I am excited to be given the opportunity to But the support and flexibility being offered to work manage the delivery of key business initiative projects from home is refreshing and inspiring. As I am sure under the Support Directorate’s support improvement we all do, I often reminisce on pre-COVID office programme. life, craving the reassurance of working side by side with colleagues, savouring the quick coffee-and-cake What are the opportunities to develop and progress chat and wearing the many pairs of shoes justified within your function? as a must for work. I hope we can build on this The iLog function is a fantastic place to start my experience and continue to be creative to join what, career within DE&S. It enables me to work across at the moment feels like two very different working all DE&S functions and domains, and interact with worlds, together. A happy and resilient workforce is a vast group of DE&S personnel to learn how DE&S an invincible team and the DE&S general knowledge operates. The scope of roles and opportunities is gained from Kahoot team quizzes throughout immense and very exciting. lockdown must be a force to be reckoned with!

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SIX GREAT REASONS TO WORK FOR DE&S

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31 Leading technology for the UK’s security and economy

Tempest – innovation for the next generation

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